Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Section
Uses of aluminium
19 practice questions
Practice questions
1–10 of 19
Question 1
1 mark · Easy
Answer and see the solution →State one property of aluminium that makes it suitable for making aeroplane bodies.
Question 2
3 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Pure aluminium is not commonly used for building structures. The table below shows two metals and two alloys.
Material Type Aluminium Pure metal Steel Alloy Duralumin Alloy Copper Pure metal (a)[1 mark]State why pure aluminium is rarely used instead of its alloys.
(b)[2 marks]Explain how alloying aluminium changes its structure to make it stronger.
Question 3
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →A newly-made sheet of aluminium has a mass of 5.4 g. After some time, a 0.0004 g layer of aluminium oxide forms on the surface, preventing further corrosion. Calculate the total mass of the sheet after the oxide layer has formed. Give your answer to 3 decimal places.
Question 4
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Explain why aluminium is often used for cooking pans. Refer to two properties of aluminium in your answer.
Question 5
3 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →The table shows the strength of pure aluminium and some aluminium alloys.
Material Relative Strength Pure aluminium Low Aluminium + magnesium High Aluminium + copper Very high (a)[1 mark]Which of the materials in the table would be least suitable for use in construction? Give a reason.
(b)[1 mark]State how alloying with copper affects the strength of aluminium.
(c)[1 mark]Explain why adding another metal to aluminium changes its strength.
Question 6
1 mark · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Why does aluminium not corrode easily in air?
Question 7
3 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Aluminium is widely used for outdoor electrical wiring and food packaging.
(a)[1 mark]Give one property of aluminium that makes it suitable for outdoor electrical wiring.
(b)[1 mark]Give one property that makes aluminium suitable for packaging food.
(c)[1 mark]Explain, with a reason, how the properties of aluminium relate to its use in these cases.
Question 8
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →A piece of pure aluminium can support a maximum load of 90 N before it bends permanently. An alloy of aluminium of the same size supports a load of 190 N before permanent bending. Calculate the difference in maximum loads supported, and state the reason for this difference.
Question 9
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →State why pure aluminium is rarely used for making structures. Briefly explain how adding other elements strengthens aluminium alloys.
Question 10
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The diagram below shows a cross-section of a wire made from aluminium.
Cross-section of aluminium wire with oxide layer (a)[1 mark]What is the chemical name of the oxide layer that forms on aluminium?
(b)[1 mark]State how this oxide layer protects aluminium from corrosion.
(c)[2 marks]Explain one practical use of aluminium that relies on its resistance to corrosion.